The Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is known for beautiful hill-stations like Nainital and Munsiyari. But Kumaon isn’t just about silent trails and beautiful destinations- it is also spiritually rich and home to many famous temples. There are centuries-old temples tucked between forests and ancient routes.
If you are planning your trip to Kumaon, add these beautiful temples to your places to visit in the Kumaon list.
Location: Pithoragarh district (near Indo-Tibet border)
Deity: Lord Shiva
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Adi Kailash is one of the Panch Kailash temples. This is not just a temple visit but a journey to spirituality. The landscape here is very raw and untouched. You should also add Om Parvat view point and Kali Mandir in the itinerary. Also, you can visit the Lipulekh Pass from where you can get a view of the mighty Mount Kailash (Tibet).
Location: Bageshwar district (on banks of Gomti river)
Deity: Lord Shiva
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
Baijnath temple is a beautiful temple located on the banks of Gomti river. The temple was built by Katyuri kings in the 12th century. It has stone architecture with beautiful mountains in the background. The temple complex is very peaceful and accessible by the road.
Location: Champawat
Deity: Goddess Barahi (a form of Goddess Durga)
Best Time to Visit: Navratri and Rakshabandhan
This is a lesser-known temple of Kumaon. Locals have a special place for Barahi Devi temple. The Barahi Temple is famous for its “Bagwal Mela” (stone-pelting festival) in Rakshabandhan. Thousands of people from India and Nepal visit Barahi Devi temple to witness this unique fair.
Location: Almora (Ranikhet)
Deity: Lord Shiva
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
Binsar Mahadev is a beautiful temple located in Ranikhet. The temple is hidden between a pine forest. The location of the temple is very quiet and peaceful. You may hear chirping birds and see grazing animals there. This temple is also good for meditation.
Location: Almora
Deity: Golu Devta (God of Justice)
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
The Chitai Golu Devta Temple is a unique temple where you will see thousands of letters and bells. People from everywhere visit the temple and write letters to God asking for justice. Once they get justice, they hang bells there. The visit to Chitai Golu Temple feels very emotional and personal.
Location: Almora (Dwarahat)
Deity: Goddess Durga
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Navratri
The Dunagiri Temple is located on a small hike to a hilltop. The views from top are mesmerizing. You get a beautiful view of Kumaon Himalayas. This temple also has some mythological link to the Sanjeevni herb from the Ramayana.
Location: Nainital (Bhowali)
Deity: Golu Devta (God of Justice)
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
This temple is similar to the Chitai Golu Devta Temple. The location is more peaceful and less crowded. The views are more open here. You can add Ghorakhal Temple in your Nainital itinerary.
Location: Pithoragarh (Gangolihat)
Deity: Goddess Kali
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
This temple holds a very special place in the hearts of locals and Military personnel. It is believed that Goddess Kali shifted her abode from Bengal to Gangolihaat. The members of Kumaon Regiment consider Maa Kali as their “Isht Devi” and even their war cry is “Kalika Mata Ki Jai”.
Location: Almora
Deity: Lord Shiva
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
Jageshwar Dham is like a complex of more than 100 temples. The big deodar trees and quiet surroundings feel like walking into a different world. Jageshwar is the most famous temple in Kumaon visited by thousands of devotees every year.
Location: Nainital (Bhowali)
Associated with: Neem Karoli Baba
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
People from all around the world visit Kainchi Dham. The temple is always crowded but still feels very peaceful. Devotees often quote “special feeling” here. Many famous figures like Steve Jobs, Virat Kohli, Mark Zuckerberg, etc have visited this temple.
Location: Almora
Deity: Kasar Devi
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
Kasardevi is the most unique temple of Kumaon region. The temple lies on Allen Belt. This temple is a famous spot for meditation. Swami Vivekananda came to this temple in 1890’s for meditation. The temple is also known as hippie hill as it is a famous destination for hippies.
Location: Almora
Deity: Sun God (Surya)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Katarmal Temple is devoted to Sun God. This is one of the rare temples dedicated to Surya Dev. There is a small hike from the road to the temple. The temple was built during the 9th century under the Katyuri dynasty.
Location: Almora
Deity: Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around
This temple is deeply connected to Kumaoni culture. The temple lies in the market area of Almora. Some folklore associates Nanda Devi as the reincarnation of Goddess Durga. While locals believe Nanda and Sunanda are two sisters born in the family of the Chand Dynasty.
Location: Pithoragarh (Near Gangolihaat)
Deity: Lord Shiva
Best Time to Visit: Year-Around (Avoid Monsoon)
Patal Bhuvaneshar is a unique cave temple in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. You go underground into a cave where you can see natural formations that resemble Gods and mythological figures. This temple feels very mysterious and adventurous.
Location: Champawat (Tanakpur)
Deity: Goddess Durga
Best Time to Visit: Navratri
Purnagiri Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths. It is believed that the navel of Goddess Sati fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying her body after self-immolation. There is a small hike of 3-4 km from the road to the hilltop. The Himalayan views from Purnagiri temple are mesmerizing.
Visiting temples is not only about ticking off places from your list. It is more personal and emotional. There are hundreds of big-small temples in Kumaon and every temple holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Every visit to a temple adds meaning to your journey and life.